Pesquisa Agropecuária Tropical (Dec 2023)

Growth, gas exchange and essential oil production of Mentha spicata L. under water deficiency

  • Rita de Cássia Monteiro Batista,
  • Josabete Salgueiro Bezerra de Carvalho,
  • Danilo Rosendo Coqueiro,
  • Pedro Gregório Vieira Aquino,
  • Leonardo Zacarias Alves

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-40632023v5376893
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 53
p. e76893

Abstract

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Drought stress is a critical factor affecting plant growth and development. Understanding the effects of drought on the physiology of medicinal plants can contribute to the implementation of better water management techniques and promote a sustainable production. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of water stress on the growth and development of Mentha spicata L. plants. A completely randomized design was used, with two water conditions: irrigated and non-irrigated. The water deficit negatively affected the dry weight of roots and shoots, with a decrease in the transpiration rate and chlorophyll content, potentially impairing the photosynthetic activity. However, the essential oil production was not affected in plants subjected to water deficiency, indicating that the essential oil production may be more resilient to drought stress in this species.

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